Brazil wowed in a thumping of Italy, Portugal beat Japan, and Iran and Tanzania raised their hopes of reaching the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup quarter-finals in Manila.
The Brazilians advances with a thumping 6-1 win over Italy. It was match that had it all. Extrasensory interchange, outrageous tricks, mind-blowing saves and glorious goals.
After 40 minutes that nobody wanted to end, fans were drawing gasps and Brazil were celebrating winning the pool. Amandinha, Ana Luiza, Debora and Emilly all thrilled for Wilson Saboia’s charges, with Ana Carolina Sestari’s exceptional goalkeeping preventing them running riot.
Brazil struck in the very first minute through Ana Luiza only to see Renata Adamatti equalise six minutes later. That was the highlight of the Italian’s resistance with Brazil piling on the pressure and scoring through Emilly (12), Amandinha (22 & 22), Debora Vanin (27) and Camila (28).
Ana Luiza took merely 31 seconds to score the fastest goal in the tournament.
“I think there was nerves in the first game. We made mistakes that we don’t normally make. Today I believe we showed the true Brazil. We were solid in defence and we created a lot against a very strong side. We’re qualified for the next round and we’re very happy,” said Brazilian winger Amandinha.
Portugal, meanwhile, progressed with a 3-1 win over Japan.
Japan’s emerging sensation Sara Oino excelled, but the game ultimately belonged to Portugal’s oldest player.
Ana Azecedo, 39, netted twice to secure Luis Conceicao’s side top spot in the section, rendering Sara Oino’s wonder goal invalid. Japan now need a draw against Tanzania to go through.
“I don’t think age matters. What matters is how you feel. I’m happy to help my team win. Japan are one of the best teams in the world. We needed to play well to beat them, and we managed to do that,” said Ana Azevedo.
Ana Catarina Pereira and Nene Inoue underlined why they are two of the sport’s finest goalkeepers, with nets rippled only four times despite 62 shots.
New Zealand succumbed to a 2-4 defeat at the hands of Tanzania.
While most 17-year-olds are in school, Mary Siyame was scoring at the World Cup. Her hattrick inspired Tanzania to an upset victory that leaves them in with a shot of reaching the knockout phase.
Hannah Kraakman (19) had the honour of netting her nation’s maiden goal in the competition on what was a disappoitng day for New Zealand. Their second goal came from Jessica Verdon (27).
Mary Siyame picked up her three goals in the 11th, 22nd and 40th minutes with Winfrida Charles (27) picking up Tanzania’s fourth goal.
Mary Siyame, at 17 years and 32 days, became the youngest goalscorer at this tournament. Her Tanzania team-mate Winfrida Charles, who was also on target, is five days older.
“This is for all Tanzanians. We did it with hard work and determination. I can’t believe I’m even at the World Cup, yet alone scoring three goals. It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” said Mary.
Fereshteh Karimi starred in Iran’s 6-2 win over Panama to take a step towards the knockout phase. If they win their final group fixture against Italy, Shahrzad Mozafar’s side will be in the quarter-finals.
